“Dam failure is a serious threat and it’s critical the federal government takes responsibility for any maintenance that’s needed to safeguard America’s publicly-owned dams,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “The grants created by this bill will ensure funds are going to the structures that need it most.”   

            The Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act is sponsored by Representative John Salazar (D-CO) and would create a system of grants within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).   The grants would be awarded based on a risk-based priority system, developed by the Director of FEMA and the National Dam Safety Review Board, to identify deficient dams.  The bill defines a deficient dam as failing to meet minimum dam safety standards of the State and posing an unacceptable risk to the public. 

            “The result of a dam collapse could be catastrophic for residents living in the area,” said Rehberg.  “By addressing dam deficiencies before they get out of hand we’re helping to prevent a serious disaster.”

            Montana currently has 2,880 state-regulated dams.